Apparatus and system for rapidly attaching identifiers to items

ABSTRACT

A system for processing containers, includes a sensor for sensing contents of a closed container, an identifier applicator for applying, based on an output of the sensor, a predetermined identifier to the container, a controller for controlling the sensor and the identifier applicator, and a read-out device for reading the identifier and communicating a result of read-out of the identifier to the controller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus forattaching identifiers (e.g., tags, labels, etc.) to inanimate objects,and to a system for identifying contents of the inanimate objects andtagging the objects based on the contents detected.

[0002] Description of the Related Art

[0003] Many government agencies (e.g., U.S. Customs, Border Patrol,Department of Agriculture, etc.) and civilian entities have a need toscreen containers and baggage, and to identify suspicious (e.g.,“suspect”) baggage which may contain products (e.g., drugs, contraband,explosives, conventional or biotechnological/chemical weaponry, etc.)that are dangerous and/or illegal in the U S. or into secured areas.

[0004] The conventional methods of detection of parcels or baggageinclude x-rays, neutron spectroscopy, and other odor detection schemes(e.g., sniffing dogs or chemical sensors). With the proliferation ofsmuggling into and terrorism in the industrialized and other nations andthe increased travel both within international borders and interstateborders by travelers, the number of items (baggage) which should bechecked has increased dramatically in the last decade.

[0005] To prevent long lines and congestion at airports, debarkationports, train stations, and other sensitive areas and yet still checkparcels and baggage sufficiently to provide adequate security, a systemfor rapidly tagging “suspect” luggage for subsequent detailed inspectionis required. Conventional systems and methods have not been able toreliably identify such “suspect” baggage in a timely manner.

[0006] Some airports currently have neutron detectors to senseexplosives. However, these devices are very expensive (approximately$1,000,000) and are not fast enough to handle large quantities ofarticles/freight rapidly.

[0007] Another detector has been reported (by Bofors AppliedTechnologies of Sweden) which includes a portable biosensor “sniffer”that incorporates antibodies. However, this system has not been fieldedyet, and is likely to be very expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the foregoing problems and drawbacks of theconventional systems, it is therefore an object of the present inventionto provide an apparatus and system for quickly identifying and rapidlytagging “suspect” containers or luggage for subsequent detailedinspection.

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, a system foridentifying contents of a container, includes at least one device forsensing contents of a closed container, a tag applicator for tagging thecontainer with a predetermined tag depending upon the container beingsensed to have contents having predetermined characteristics, acontroller for controlling the sensing device and the tag applicator,and a device for writing to the tag the encoded information derived fromthe sensing devices. The tag can be read by a separate tag readerlocated at a site where human intervention can be undertaken based onthe information on the tag, as read by the tag reader.

[0010] The tag applicator may include a gaseously-driven (e.g., air) gunfor propelling the tag to the container, or a pivotable arm controlledby the controller, for applying the tag to the container.

[0011] With the unique and unobvious structure and system of the presentinvention, rapid sensing of different species of atoms and/or molecules(gaseous) emanating from closed baggage, boxes or containers and rapidtagging of the bag after sensing have been achieved.

[0012] Thus, the invention provides a system for rapidly identifying andtagging “suspect” luggage or containers for subsequent detailedinspection.

[0013] Further, the system makes it necessary to inspect by humanintervention only those articles that have been deemed to be“suspicious”, thereby saving the time and expense of inspecting allarticles. Generally, this procedure increases the throughput of thearticles that can be safely and reliably passed through (processed) byCustoms, for example, without human intervention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will bebetter understood from the following detailed description of preferredembodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 illustrates a system according to the present invention foridentifying and attaching tags to items of interest (e.g., containers,luggage or the like) and including at least one sensor (several sensorsbeing shown to detect a variety of atoms and/or molecules emanating fromthe articles passing by these sensing devices);

[0016]FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a tag applicator 4 forreceiving tags from queues of tags, according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view of a tag applicator 4 for clampinga tag 101(201) onto a container according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0018]FIG. 3(B) is a side view of the tag applicator according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 3(C) is a side view of a tag restraining member 40 of the tagapplicator shown in FIG. 3(B);

[0020]FIG. 3(D) is a side view of the tag applicator according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention and showing acomputer-controlled loading tag release 51;

[0021]FIG. 3(E) is a side view of the end of the tag applicator (e.g.,arm 30) with a tag for being applied to an article according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 3(F) is a side view of the tag applicator according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention and showing a loading from aside of the tag applicator;

[0023]FIG. 3(G) is a side view of the tag applicator according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention and the stacking of the tagsin a loading holder 50′ with a release layer 53 between adjacent tags;and

[0024]FIG. 3(H) is a side view of the tag holder in which the tags arestored edge-to-edge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1,there is shown a block diagram of the inventive system for rapidlyidentifying and attaching tags to objects of interest (e.g., containers,baggage, and the like).

[0026] Briefly, a first preferred embodiment of the system includes aprocessor 1, a detector 2 (or a plurality of different detectorsincluding primarily, but not necessarily exclusively, gaseous sensors)for detecting contents of a container (e.g., baggage, suitcase, etc.)passing through an inspection site, for example, by a moving belt or thelike, a memory 3 for storing predetermined indicia indicating a highprobability of predetermined contents of interest (e.g., explosives,drugs including refined narcotics and unrefined/unprocessed cropproducts, explosives, hazardous chemicals, biological weapons, fooditems, etc.) and further storing predetermined codes based on tags (orlabels or other suitable identifiers) to be applied to a containerreflecting such predetermined contents, a tag/label (or other suitableidentifier) applicator 4 for applying a tag (or label) to an item ofinterest after the contents of the container have been detected bydetector 2, an interrogation unit 5 for interrogating a tag attached toa container, an alarm/display 6 for indicating when a tag has beeninterrogated and found to be “suspect” (e.g., considered to possiblycontain contraband, etc.), and a tag writer for writing information to atag based upon sensed contents thereof.

[0027] Detector 2 preferably includes at least one of a massspectrometer, laser absorption analyzer, gaseous sampler etc. Sensorspresently exist for sensing parts/million of gaseous species and in somecases can achieve this in a matter of several seconds.

[0028] Some suitable candidate detection machines include Chemical GasSpecies Sensors developed by NASA Lewis Research Center, a “Mini GasDetector”, Model No. MD-16, “Portable Toxic Gas Detector”, TGKA Series,and “Transportable Toxic Gas Detector”, TG-XA Series, each produced byCEA Instruments, Inc.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively to the above detectors, detectorsproduced by Neotronics Inc. under the Model Names of “NEOTOX-XL” (singlegas monitoring), “MiniGas” (multi-gas monitoring), “EXOTOX 60/75”(multi-gas monitoring), “EXOTOX 50 CO2” (for carbon dioxide monitoringand other gas monitoring), “DigiFlam 2000” (for flammable gasdetection), and/or “Safe-T-Cube” (area monitoring) could be provided.Moreover, single- and multi-point systems may be used which arenetworked together.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, a first preferred embodiment of the tagapplicator 4 is shown. For clarity and ease of understanding, the samestructures in FIG. 2 as in FIG. 1 are shown with the same referencenumerals.

[0031] In FIG. 2, two queues 100, 200 of tags 101, 201 are shown forfeeding a tag application applicator 4. In an exemplary implementation,the tag applicator 4 includes a gaseously-driven (e.g., air or othergas) gun. Alternatively, two guns may be used (e.g., one gun for eachqueue of the two different tags).

[0032] The tag applicator 4 (e.g., air gun) preferably is mounted on arigid stand 20, made of metal or hardened plastic, and preferably isfired remotely by depressing an electronic actuator (not shown). Such anactuator may be operated manually (e.g., by a human operator), oractuated by automated means through use of robotics or the like.

[0033] Specifically, upon sensing various criteria such as position ofthe container, suspected contents of the container, etc. by thedetector(s) 2, including predetermined sensors, the tag applicator wouldbe actuated automatically.

[0034] As mentioned above, the gun preferably is permanently mounted ona solid surface to assure stability and aim. Thus, the gun will alwaysbe attached at the same height with respect to the belt or floor levelon which the baggage rests. Of course, the positioning of the gun couldbe made adjustable to accommodate various heights and shapes ofcontainers. Such positioning of the gun can be automated, as would beknown by one of ordinary skill in the art taking the presentspecification as a whole. Further, the gun may be actuated as thecontainer is moving on the belt or designed to fire at the containerwhen the container is stopped on the moving belt by known positionsensing devices.

[0035] Thus, the gun fires the tags at the baggage. The gun is providedpreferably with an automatic feed (shown schematically in FIG. 2) toload the tags after firing. Specifically, the gun is reloaded via aslotted arm which brings a new tag into place after each firing. The airgun is commercially available from a variety of sources, and isgenerally well-known. There also exist other gaseously-driven guns (notnecessarily air) such as those made by the Tippmann “Pro-Lite” SpyderModel CO₂-propelled, having a .68 caliber, for example, which fire paintballs. These guns have a relatively large caliber which make themespecially suitable for the present invention.

[0036] As mentioned above, the tags 101, 201 preferably are positionedin a plurality (e.g., in the present implementation, two queues areused) of tag queues 100, 200.

[0037] A first tag queue (e.g., 100) includes, for example, tagscontaining silicon or the like, to which information can be writtenremotely regarding the nature of the contents of the “suspect” luggage.For example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag could beemployed, as discussed in further detail below.

[0038] Alternatively, the tag may simply indicate that furtherinvestigation is warranted. For example, such a tag could be a 1-bit tag(discussed in further detail below) and could be encoded with binarydata (e.g., “0” or “1”) indicating a “suspect” bag or a “non-suspect”bag, as appropriate. Examples of such tags are commercially available bycompanies such as Sensormatic Corporation, Checkpoint Systems Inc.,SenTech Corporation, and Knogo Corporation.

[0039] As mentioned in further detail below, the tags preferably have ahighly adherent (adhesive) substance 21 located within a diameter ortheir areal dimensions (in the case of non-circular tags) somewhatsmaller than that of the tag. Such positioning of the adhesive 21minimizes wrinkling of the tag. For example, the adhesive substance 21is preferably located approximately ⅛ in. to ¼ in. from the edge of thetag. The tags preferably are stacked, one atop another along acircumferential surface, to avoid the tags from sticking to one anotherby virtue of the adhesive. As shown in FIG. 2, the loading mechanism forthe gun is slotted to hold the tags not yet applied.

[0040] A second queue 200 includes the dummy tags 201. The dummy tags201 preferably have an external configuration which appears similar to(or identical) the silicon-based tags 101 in queue 100. However, thesedummy tags preferably contain no silicon and no information encodedtherein, thereby to minimize the cost of the dummy tags. Alternatively,the dummy tags may contain silicon or the like, but simply not have anyinformation encoded therein. Thus, the dummy tags 201 indicate that theluggage is not “suspect”, and no further investigation is necessary.

[0041] Additionally, as mentioned above, a 1-bit RF or magnetic tag(Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag) may be used, which, whenaffixed to the luggage, is used simply to flag the item as being suspectwithout necessarily describing the suspected contents.

[0042] Preferably, the tag should be as unobtrusive as possible butremovable without damage to the tagged item. Further, the tags may bedesigned to be collected (e.g., removed from the baggage) at theconclusion of the inspection process and be reused, after being“recharged” or some other suitable processing.

[0043] As mentioned above, preferably all of the tags look substantiallyidentical but, for example using a typical magnetic tag such as theSensormatic Ultramax™, there will be two different types. One type willbe a dummy tag, as mentioned above, including an empty tag encapsulationshell or a shell containing only a soft magnetic strip without the hardmagnetic bias strip required for the tag to resonate upon entering, forexample, a 58 kHz magnetic interrogation field.

[0044] For a suspicious article, the tag will be a functional (e.g.,containing both hard and soft magnetic material such that it will setoff a buzzer or indicate an alert on a computer screen when subjected toa 58 kHz magnetic field). The exteriors of the two tags preferably looksubstantially exactly alike to any observer in order not to arousesuspicion on the part of the article owner and each article must havesuch a tag in order to pass inspection.

[0045] For a 1-bit radio frequency (RF)/resonant tag such as thosecommercially available from Checkpoint Systems, Inc., the two tags willappear alike (e.g., all tags will have the same outward appearance), butthe tags attached to the suspect luggage will be active (e.g., resonatetypically at 8.2 MHZ) and ring an alarm or sound an alert wheninterrogated. In contrast, the non-suspect baggage will have the sametag, but deactivated by having an open circuit due to the usual methodof disabling such tags with high RF power.

[0046] As mentioned above, the tags 101, 201 preferably include apressure-sensitive adhesive 21 on one of the surfaces of the tag whichadheres to container 22 (e.g., luggage such as a suitcase, bag, or thelike as shown in FIG. 2) after firing. For example, suitablepressure-sensitive adhesives 21 would include any form of double-backedsticky material. For example, a sticky material with very high adhesion,such as Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, manufactured by 3M Corporation,under the tradename of 3M “Pressure Sensitive Adhesive”, may be used.Other types of adhesive may include a viscous ink such as that used forvarious printing applications, which dries very quickly (e.g., less than1 second) after application.

[0047] At a tag writing station, the tag writer 7, controllable based onan input from processor 1, writes to the tags. Depending on the type oftag employed, the tag writer 7, for example, may include a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver to write information to the tag.Alternatively or additionally to the RF transceiver, if a magnetic tagis employed alternatively or additional to a RF tag, a device forselectively creating a magnetic field could be employed for selectivelyactivating/deactivating the tag. Such devices are well-known to thoseordinarily skilled in the art, and thus, for brevity, will not befurther described herein. It is noted that while different types of tags(e.g., RF or magnetic) may be simultaneously employed by the systemaccording to the present invention, the simplest embodiment has tagswhich are all the same.

[0048] In FIG. 2, downstream from the tag application station, aninspector is shown holding the interrogation unit 5 for interrogatingthe tag at the inspection station. The bag having the tag is movablefrom the tag application station to the inspection station preferably bya conveyor belt 23 or the like.

[0049] Preferably, the interrogation unit 5 includes a hand-held radiounit such as a scanner and RF/DC unit. Alternatively, a fixed unit couldbe used. Further, it is envisioned that no human operator may benecessary given certain design modifications and system configurationand pathways. The signal from the hand-held radio unit 5 is provided asan uplink, for example, to processor 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0050] In the operation of the present invention, the sensinginformation from detection unit 2 is digitized by the processor 1(including an analog-to-digital converter therein), and the informationis transmitted to a database (e.g., memory 3). As soon as thebag/article has its tag attached, the information from the database inmemory 3 is transmitted (written onto) to the tag (e.g., assuming thetag is a silicon-based radio frequency (RF) tag).

[0051] To assure the database information correlates with the properbag, some pre-coded tag information may be sensed by a transceiverbefore the transceiver transmits the digitized sensor information to thetag.

[0052] When the tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag,detailed information can be written on the tag describing the suspectedcontents based on the sensor analysis, the amount of informationdepending on the memory capacity of the tag. In that case, the tag is amulti-bit tag.

[0053] However, a 1-bit tag (binary tag) can also be used with the tagplaced in one of two possible states (e.g., either magnetized or notmagnetized). Similarly for 1-bit RF tags, such as a tag manufactured byCheckpoint Systems Inc., the resonant circuit is either activated ordeactivated. For both 1-bit tags described above, the information istransmitted to the tag by a magnetic field or by an RF resonant field,respectively. For such tags, the information is binary (e.g.,representing only that the bag is suspicious or not). Alternatively,these two types of tags can be used each in a pre-set stage so that thetag applicator 4 is prompted to attach the appropriate tag's state.

[0054] In the passageway from where the bag is picked up by an owner tothe final human inspection area, such as the customs officer, therepreferably are no passageways, bathrooms, etc. where containers may becompromised such as by the tag being exchanged with a blank tag to foolthe customs agent. Additionally, video cameras scan the passageway toensure that there is no tampering with the tag or container.

[0055] At the customs or inspection station, the inspector can read thetag with the hand-held interrogation unit (reader) to determine if thebag is suspicious. Since, generally bags are not always hand-inspected,this type of information will help speed up the customs inspectionprocess as well as alert the customs agent to potential contraband ordangerous materials.

[0056] In FIG. 2, the article is on the moving conveyor belt 23 and asit passes the appropriate position as determined by a sensing unit, thegun is made to fire a tag at the article. The sensing unit may be aphotocell or the like (e.g., an optical or mechanical unit for sensingposition) or similar device well-known in the art to sense position. Theposition sensing signal is transmitted to the microprocessor 1 toactivate the tag application (e.g., the gun) process.

[0057] Second Embodiment

[0058] Turning to FIGS. 3(A)-3(H), a second embodiment of the tagapplication apparatus 4 is shown. Once again, for clarity and ease ofunderstanding, the same structures in FIGS. 3(A)-3(H) as in FIGS. 1 and2 are shown with the same reference numerals.

[0059] The second embodiment is an improvement over the first embodimentin that, while the first embodiment is more rapid and can process morebaggage/articles in a predetermined time than that of the secondembodiment described below, the first embodiment is less effective dueto recoil at the baggage-/article-tag interface.

[0060] Further, since pressure of the tag is impulsive, there is lesschance of the tag sticking reliably in the first embodiment, especiallyif the baggage has a crease or wrinkle in the region at which the gun isaimed. The second embodiment was designed to overcome thesedisadvantages of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the tag application apparatus 4 accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention, includes a pivotalarm 30 for clamping a tag (e.g., 101 or 201) onto the container (e.g.,baggage/article) using force sufficient to cause the tag to stick to thebaggage/article. Two types of tags are fed into the arm 30, and can beselected automatically or manually depending on the information providedby the detector 2 (e.g., suspect” or “not suspect”). It is noted thatinstead of a tag, a label having similar characteristics as theabovementioned tags may be employed.

[0062] Similarly to the first embodiment described above, the tagspreferably have a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied on a surfacethereof to ensure mounting on the container. As in the first embodiment,the containers/articles to be tagged are preferably placed on a movingbelt 23 (e.g., conveyor belt or the like) to increase the automation ofthe process.

[0063]FIG. 3(B) illustrates the pivotal arm 30 in greater detail. Thearm is pivotable about a pivot pin 32 mounted on a mounting structure(not shown). With such a mounting, the arm 30 is movable between a firstposition for selecting a tag and a second position at which the tag isapplied to a container. The arm 30 is made pivotable to the first andsecond positions by a hydraulic piston 33 or the like controlled by theprocessor 1 and various automated sensing/detecting devices (not shown).

[0064] Loading arms (e.g., tag holders/feeders) 34, 35, are providedrespectively for the two queues of tags (e.g., “real” tags 101, and“dummy” tags 201). The loading feeders are coupled to the processor 1such that the proper tag is provided to the pivotal arm 30 forapplication to the containers. The respective tags are made available tothe loading arm 30 by the feeders having appropriate dimensions toaccommodate the particular tag.

[0065]FIG. 3(B) also shows a retaining member 31 for retaining thecontainer 22 while the arm 30 pivots/swings and applies a tag thereto.It is noted that two or more tag holders may be employed oralternatively two independent arms may be employed.

[0066] The preferred embodiment for the swinging arm is to load the tagsedgewise, then drop one tag into the horizontal portion of theapplicator after which pressure is applied. A mechanical release 40(e.g., shown in FIG. 3(C) at the end of the arm allows the tag to bedisconnected from the arm. The mechanical release 40 is retractable asshown and allows the tag to be selected reliably and quickly.

[0067] As another example, a simpler loading mechanism includes a stackof tags loaded from the top of the arm and two feeders, one for eachtype of tag.

[0068] Thus, the mechanical arm has an automatic feed to hold the tags(preferably formed as circular tags, but if rectangular tags areemployed the rectangular tags also would preferably be stackededgewise). It is noted again that the tags have a highly adherentsubstance located within a diameter somewhat smaller than that of thetag. The tags will be stacked, one atop the other along acircumferential or edgewise surface, to avoid the tags from sticking toone another. The arm and the load mechanism for the gun is slotted tohold the tags not yet applied. Once again, if rectangular tags areemployed, the rectangular tags may be stacked either face-to-face (e.g.,so that a primary surface of a first tag faces a primary surface of anadjacent second tag), or edgewise (e.g., so that a secondary surface ofa first rectangular tag faces a secondary surface of an adjacent secondtag). If the rectangular (or circular) tags are oriented in aface-to-face manner, a release layer described below preferably isemployed.

[0069] The slotted arm is hinged vertically. As the item passes throughthe designated space, the arm 30 rapidly swings down with a tag andapplies the tag using a predetermined amount of pressure. The slot iswide enough to hold the tags, but is folded over to prevent the tagsfrom falling out. For this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(B), there is aretaining member that prevents the baggage from sliding away from thearm, thereby allowing the pressure to be applied.

[0070] Further, FIG. 3(D) illustrates the arm and a tag loading holderin a modified embodiment in which a tag loading holder 50 is shown withthe tags stacked edgewise. At the bottom of the holder 50, acomputer/processor 1 controlled loading tag release 51 is employed. Thetag release 51 may be configured, for example, as a spring-activatedshutter mechanism or the like. The tags are pushed by a hydraulic (orsimilar means) computer/processor-controlled piston 52, and the tagshown in FIG. 3(D) is shown in place for attachment to a container. Itis noted that, while FIG. 3(D) shows only one holder 50, a plurality ofholders may be provided as would be known by one of ordinary skill inthe art within the purview of the present application.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3(C), at a bottom surface, the arm 30 has tworetracting members 40 that permit the tag to be released from the slotwithin the arm 30 that holds the tags. In this method of mounting, thereis no recoil so that adherence of the tag to the container is reasonablycertain and reliable.

[0072]FIG. 3(E) illustrates the adhesive on the side of the tag to beapplied to the container by the arm 30 and the hydraulic (or similarmeans) computer/processor-controlled piston 52. As mentioned previously,the release/retracting members 40 are computer-controlled to open andshut at appropriate times.

[0073] Immediately after multi-bit RF tag attachment, a base station(the tag writer 7 including, for example, a transceiver) encodes (writesto) the tag to give it a unique ID. The identification is simultaneouslytransferred to the database in memory 3, a technique well-known in theart.

[0074] As mentioned above, the tags may include first and second typesof tags attachable to the container. The first type of tag may include adummy tag, and the second type of tag may include a functional tag, orvice-versa. Each of the first and second tags may include either a 1-bittag or a multi-bit radio frequency (RF) tag.

[0075] The first and second queues may are for stacking first and secondtypes of tags respectively, such that within each queue, the tags arestacked. A release layer may be provided between adjacent tags, as shownin FIG. 3(B), especially with regard to tags stacked face-to-face in thetag holder/feeder.

[0076] The tag may have any geometric shape such as a circular shape ora rectangular shape having a primary surface (e.g., the relatively largesurface area surfaces of a rectangular shaped object and a secondarysurface (e.g., the edgewise surfaces). The tags may be stackedface-to-face such that a primary surface of a first tag faces a primarysurface of a second, adjacent tag. Alternatively, the tags may bestacked edge-to-edge such that a secondary surface of a first tag facesa secondary surface of a second, adjacent tag. Similar stackingarrangements may be provided for the circular tags.

[0077] At least some of the tags may include radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tags for being written to and read from. The RFIDtags may be provided for a predetermined type of bags and dummy tags forother types of tags. Dummy tags generally are less expensive than RFID(or 1-bit) tags.

[0078] The 1-bit tags may be one of armed and unarmed for predetermined(e.g., suspicious) types of bags and the other of armed and disarmed forother types (e.g., not suspicious) of bags.

[0079] Moreover, the tags may comprise 1-bit tags for a predeterminedtype (e.g., suspicious) of bags and dummy tags for other types (e.g.,not suspicious) of tags.

[0080] The 1-bit tags may include magnetic tags and the RFID tags mayinclude radio frequency 1-bit tags comprising a RLC circuit therein.

[0081] Instead of loading the attachment arm as above, the attachmentarm may be loaded from the side as shown in FIG. 3(F) with a side tagloader 50′. The tag release 51 is formed by a shutter or the like whichis computer-controlled. The piston position during loading is shown by52′, whereas the piston position during tag attachment is shown withreference numeral 52″. Similarly to the earlier embodiments, a releaselayer 53 is provided between the tags in the tag holder 50′.Specifically, the release layer 53 covers the adhesive on a tag prior toapplication of the tag to a container, thereby to prevent the tagssticking together in the holder. A gaseous (e.g., air) stream designatedby reference letter Z is provided at the tag application point toseparate the release layer 53, thereby to ready the tag for applicationto the container.

[0082]FIG. 3(G) illustrates stacking of tags for the embodiment of FIG.3(F). FIG. 3(H) illustrates stacking of tags edgewise.

[0083] In lieu of the tags and as mentioned above, bar code labels maybe attached to the baggage by the pivotal arm 30. Here, the sensorinformation is fed to the processor 1 which then prints a bar code label(preferably two-dimensional) with sensor information. This informationis read by the inspector with the hand-held interrogation unit 5 (e.g.,bar code scanner). Preferably, one of two different bar code labels withminimal information can be attached, one indicative of no suspectedcontraband problem, while the other label indicates suspicion.

[0084] It should be clear by those ordinarily skilled in the art withinthe purview of this application that tag attachment also may occur onthe top of the bag/article using the swinging arm or on any exposedsurface using the air gun.

[0085] Thus, with the invention as already described above, the tags canbe attached by a gaseously-driven (e.g., air) gun or by an automatedhinged arm.

[0086] The same system can also be used for inspecting baggage(articles) at a time of airport boarding. For example, the sensors canbe used to sense the contents of checked baggage traveling along aconveyor. Once again, a tag is affixed as previously described andencoded after attachment with the sensor information (or 1 of 2 possible1-bit tags is attached in one of two states indicating “danger” or “nodanger”). The tag information is read by the baggage handler prior toloading article(s) onto the aircraft. Based on that information, adecision is made to either load or pull the article(s) off for furtherinspection.

[0087] Generally, the sensing and tag attachment system is not limitedto airports but can have application in any transportation system, wherelarge amounts of baggage or freight are handled in order to rapidlycheck the contents of closed containers. Moreover, the system can beused for rapid inspection of any movement of large quantities offreight, etc. through a passageway where some information is requiredregarding possible contraband or attempted illegal shipment of goodsbased on content.

[0088] The present invention achieves rapid sensing of different speciesof molecules (gaseous) emanating from closed baggage (articles) orsuitcases. After the chemical sensing, the sensor information istransmitted to a database. The database activates one of several meansfor rapidly attaching a tag (e.g., the form of the rapid attachmentmechanism constituting part of the present invention). Either a 1-bit ora multi-bit radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be used forthe tagging. If the tag is an RFID tag, detailed information can bewritten on the tag describing the suspected contents based on the sensoranalysis immediately after tag attachment.

[0089] For 1-bit tags, they can be used in one of two magnetic states.Alternatively, an active or dummy tag can be used to provide thedistinction between a suspicious/non-suspicious item. Once again, thesensor information in the database determines which tag to use.

[0090] While the invention has been described in terms of severalpreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scopeof the appended claims.

[0091] For example, since it is difficult to conceal the tag, every itemshould be tagged using dummy tags for those items that are not suspect,and using functional look-alike tags for those that are suspect (orvice-versa). In this mode, passengers picking up their luggage are lesslikely to be suspicious since every item has a look-alike tag and musthave the tag upon reaching the final inspection station. Thus, if onlysuspect items are tagged, the owner may become suspicious and abandonthe bag or attempt to rip the tag off of the article/baggage. The aboveprocedure would reduce the likelihood of such abandoning the bag orripping the tag off.

[0092] A preferred mode of operation is one in which all tags areremoved prior to leaving the terminal. Read/write tags such as RFID tagscan be reused by the baggage or freight department.

[0093] Further, in yet another embodiment, 1-bit tags which are all thesame (e.g., have the same structure and composition) may be employed.Alternatively, as mentioned above, multi-bit tags which are written tomay be employed.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is as follows:
 1. A system for processingcontainers, comprising: a sensor for sensing contents of a closedcontainer; an identifier applicator for applying, based on an output ofsaid sensor, a predetermined identifier to said container; a controllerfor controlling said sensor and said identifier applicator; and aread-out device for reading said identifier and communicating a resultof read-out of said identifier to said controller.
 2. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said identifier applicator comprises a tagapplicator for applying tags.
 3. The system according to claim 2,wherein said tag applicator comprises a gaseously-driven device forpropelling said tag to said container.
 4. The system according to claim2, wherein said tag applicator comprises a pivotable arm, controlled bysaid controller, for applying said tag to said container.
 5. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said identifier applicator comprises alabel applicator.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said labelapplicator comprises a pivotable arm controlled by said controller, forapplying a label to said container.
 7. The system according to claim 1,wherein said sensor senses whether said contents of said container haspredetermined characteristics, wherein, when said contents of saidcontainer has said predetermined characteristics, said identifierapplicator applies an identifier having a first characteristic to saidcontainer, and wherein, when said contents of said container has acharacteristic other than said predetermined characteristics, saididentifier applicator applies an identifier having a secondcharacteristic to said container.
 8. The system according to claim 7,wherein said identifier comprises a 1-bit tag for indicating one of saidcontainer having said predetermined characteristics and said containerbeing devoid of said predetermined characteristics.
 9. The systemaccording to claim 7, wherein said identifier comprises aradio-frequency identification tag, said tag being encodable forindicating contents of said container.
 10. The system according to claim1, wherein a pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on a surface ofsaid identifier to be attached to said container.
 11. The systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising first and second loading queuesfor storing first and second identifiers for loading to said identifierapplicator.
 12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising aninterrogator for interrogating said identifier after said identifier hasbeen affixed to said container by said identifier applicator.
 13. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein said interrogator comprises ahand-held radio-frequency scanner.
 14. The system according to claim 2,wherein first and second types of tags are attachable to said container,said first type of tag comprising a dummy tag, and said second tagcomprising a functional tag, wherein each of said first and second tagscomprises one of a 1-bit tag and a multi-bit radio frequency (RF) tag.15. The system according to claim 2, further comprising first and secondqueues for stacking first and second types of tags respectively,wherein, within each queue, said tags are stacked such that a releaselayer is provided between adjacent tags.
 16. The system according toclaim 2, wherein said tags have a rectangular shape having a primarysurface and a secondary surface, and wherein said tags are stackedface-to-face such that a primary surface of a first tag faces a primarysurface of a second, adjacent tag.
 17. The system according to claim 2,wherein said tags have a rectangular shape having a primary surface anda secondary surface, and wherein said tags are stacked edge-to-edge suchthat a secondary surface of a first tag faces a secondary surface of asecond, adjacent tag.
 18. The system according to claim 2, wherein atleast some of said tags comprise radio frequency identification (RFID)tags for being written to and read from.
 19. The system according toclaim 18, wherein said tags comprise RFID tags for a predetermined typeof containers and dummy tags for other types of containers.
 20. Thesystem according to claim 2, wherein said tags comprise 1-bit tags forbeing one of armed and unarmed for predetermined types of container andthe other of armed and disarmed for other types of containers.
 21. Thesystem according to claim 2, wherein said tags comprise 1-bit tags for apredetermined type of containers and dummy tags for other types ofcontainer.
 22. The system according to claim 20, wherein said 1-bit tagscomprise magnetic tags.
 23. The system according to claim 18, whereinsaid RFID tags comprise radio frequency 1-bit tags comprising a RLCcircuit therein.
 24. The system according to claim 1, wherein each saidpredetermined identifier has substantially a same outward appearance asanother said predetermined identifier.
 25. An apparatus for tagging acontainer and for use with a sensor for sensing contents of thecontainer, comprising: an identifier applicator for applying apredetermined identifier to a container depending upon a sensed contentsof said container; first and second queues of first and secondpredetermined identifiers, respectively, for being provided to saididentifier applicator based upon the sensed contents of said container;and a controller for controlling said first and second queues andactuating said identifier applicator at a predetermined time, to applyone of said first and second predetermined identifiers to said containerdepending upon a sensed contents of said container.
 26. The apparatusaccording to claim 25, wherein said identifier applicator comprises atag applicator for applying tags.
 27. The apparatus according to claim26, wherein said tag applicator comprises a gaseously-driven device forpropelling a tag of said tags to said container.
 28. The apparatusaccording to claim 26, wherein said tag applicator comprises a pivotablearm, controlled by said controller, for applying said tag to saidcontainer.
 29. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein saididentifier applicator comprises a label applicator.
 30. The apparatusaccording to claim 29, wherein said label applicator comprises apivotable arm, controlled by said controller, for applying a label tosaid container.
 31. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein firstand second types of tags are attachable to said container, said firsttype of tag comprising a dummy tag, and said second tag comprising afunctional tag, and wherein each of said first and second tags comprisesone of a 1-bit tag and a multi-bit radio frequency (RF) tag.
 32. Theapparatus according to claim 26, further comprising first and secondqueues for stacking first and second types of tags respectively,wherein, within each queue, said tags are stacked such that a releaselayer is provided between adjacent tags.
 33. The apparatus according toclaim 26, wherein said tags have a rectangular shape having a primarysurface and a secondary surface, and wherein said tags are stackedface-to-face such that a primary surface of a first tag faces a primarysurface of a second, adjacent tag.
 34. The apparatus according to claim26, wherein said tags have a rectangular shape having a primary surfaceand a secondary surface, and wherein said tags are stacked edge-to-edgesuch that a secondary surface of a first tag faces a secondary surfaceof a second, adjacent tag.
 35. The apparatus according to claim 26,wherein at least some of said tags comprise radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tags for being written to and read from.
 36. Theapparatus according to claim 35, wherein said tags comprise RFID tagsfor a predetermined type of containers and dummy tags for other types ofcontainers.
 37. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said tagscomprise 1-bit tags for being one of armed and unarmed for predeterminedtypes of containers and the other of armed and disarmed for other typesof containers.
 38. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein saidtags comprise 1-bit tags for a predetermined type of containers anddummy tags for other types of containers.
 39. The apparatus according toclaim 37, wherein said 1-bit tags comprise magnetic tags.
 40. Theapparatus according to claim 35, wherein said RFID tags comprise radiofrequency 1-bit tags comprising a RLC circuit therein.
 41. The apparatusaccording to claim 25, wherein all of said predetermined identifiershave substantially a same outward appearance.